Food for Thought Served by CAFE

A group of college students is spreading a message of cultural pride and, through poetry, drama, music and dance, encouraging schoolchildren across the county to stay in school.

“We’re trying to provide positive role models that Hollywood can never portray for Chicanos and Latinos,” said Herbert E. Alamo, founder of CAFE (Cultural Artists For Empowerment) in Motion.

“At the same time, we’re addressing social problems like racism, gang violence, warfare, dropping out of school and teenage pregnancy,” Alamo said.

The 24-year-old Cal State Fullerton student said he created CAFE in Motion because he is appalled that more Latinos are incarcerated than are enrolled in colleges and universities.

He said his group’s goal is to raise young students’ self-esteem and cultural appreciation and instill a desire to get a college degree.

CAFE members are doing that by performing at elementary and high schools.

At Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Anaheim, CAFE in Motion members made their point with skits, a song and a poetry recitation.

One skit, performed in English and Spanish, featured a teenager who was deciding whether he should go to college or party with his friends.

“I’m confused,” said the teenager, played by Leo de la Torre, 23, a Fullerton College student.

“Leo, you’ve got to think of your future,” said Alamo in his role as Herb, another student. “You can go to college so you can get a good job.”

Leo responded: “But college costs a lot of money. I can’t do it.”

“Herb” then explained that student loans are available, and he enlisted Lincoln pupils in the audience to encourage Leo.

Led by Alamo, they chanted, “Si, se puede! [Yes, it can be done!]”

John Herrera, a model and sales clerk, and de la Torre performed another skit while dressed in zoot suits.

Their message, Herrera said, was, “Don’t let peer pressure get you.”

Adriana Brenes-Rios, a 21-year-old Fullerton College student, sang about the beauty of Mexico. And Veta Gashgai, a 22-year-old Fullerton College student, recited a poem.

Dressed in traditional attire, Gashgai recited: “We are all a part of the Earth and the Earth is a part of us.”

Dorian Sandoval, 11, said he understood CAFE’s message. “They want us to know that you can go to college and get a good job so we won’t be poor and on the streets asking for money,” he said.

Lincoln Principal Mary Austad said the group delivered an important lesson: “They told the students that if you make the right decisions, the right choices, you get ahead. My students need to see role models like these.”